Adoption Dynamics of Climate-Smart Agriculture Techniques among Smallholder Women Farmers in Northern Ghana: A Three-Year Impact Assessment

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has been promoted as a sustainable solution to climate change impacts on smallholder farmers in Ghana. In northern Ghana, where rainfall patterns are highly variable and unpredictable, women farmers have shown varying levels of adoption of CSA techniques. The study employed semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 50 randomly selected female farmers from different communities across northern Ghana. Data collection was conducted at baseline (), mid-point (), and post-intervention (). A significant proportion of women farmers adopted CSA techniques, particularly those that improved water management, such as rainwater harvesting systems, which increased their yields by an average of 45% compared to non-CSA practices. The findings highlight the importance of community engagement and local knowledge integration in facilitating CSA adoption among smallholder women farmers. The study's novel methodological approach allowed for a nuanced understanding of farmer decision-making processes, which was not captured by existing quantitative studies. Policy makers should prioritise supporting women farmers with access to climate-smart technologies and extension services that are tailored to their needs and contexts. Additionally, fostering community-based initiatives can enhance the sustainability of CSA adoption in northern Ghana. Climate-Smart Agriculture, Women Farmers, Northern Ghana, Adoption Dynamics, Agricultural Productivity